FACT SHEET: BACKFLOW DEVICES 2015 MINNESOTA PLUMBING CODE Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

REQUIREMENTS Refer to the 2015 Minnesota Plumbing Code Parts 603.5.23 through 603.5.23.4 for details about the backflow prevention requirements discussed in this fact sheet.

Devices that need to be tested Testing and maintenance The 2015 Minnesota Plumbing Code requires that all •• The backflow device must be tested upon initial testable backflow devices be tested upon installation and at installation and at least annually thereafter. least annually thereafter by a certified backflow assembly •• Test results must be submitted to the administrative tester. Testable devices include: authority and to the community public water supplier •• Reduced pressure principal backflow prevention within 30 days of testing. assemblies, •• Reduced pressure detector fire protection backflow Applicability prevention assemblies, •• Reduced pressure (RPZ) devices have had testing •• Double check backflow prevention assemblies, requirements for many years. New and existing RPZ •• Pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention installations must be tested annually. assemblies, •• The testing requirements for testable non-RPZ devices •• Double check detector fire protection backflow became effective for installations made on or after prevention assemblies, and Jan. 23, 2016. •• Spill resistant pressure vacuum breakers. Tester qualifications Installing the device Testing of backflow prevention devices requires certification •• A licensed plumber must perform the installation of a to ASSE Standard 5110. Testing of reduced pressure principal backflow prevention device. devices (RPZs) requires an additional certification by the •• The public water supplier must be notified within 30 commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and days following installation of the device on a community Industry. public water system. •• A plumbing permit must be obtained from the administrative authority prior to installation. RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibility of the municipality Responsibility of the plumbing contractor The municipality is responsible for notifying owners of The plumbing contractor is responsible for informing the backflow devices of the need for initial and annual testing building owner of the need to have their backflow devices of backflow devices. This can be done through the plumber tested upon installation and at least annually thereafter. when the plumbing permit is issued. It may be helpful for the municipality to prepare an information sheet to provide Responsibility of the backflow tester to the plumber at time of the plumbing permit application. •• The backflow device tester is responsible for testing the As a condition of the permit, the plumber informs the device backflow device and tagging it with the testing date, owner of the requirements. tester signature and backflow certification number. •• Written records of testing and maintenance must Responsibility of the owner be maintained and submitted to the administrative The owner of the backflow prevention device is responsible authority and the community public water supplier for making sure the backflow device is tested upon within 30 days following the test. installation and at least annually thereafter. The owner is responsible for arranging for a backflow device tester to test devices at least annually. Construction Codes and Licensing Division • www.dli.mn.gov • 651-284-5067